Journal of Arthropod-Borne Diseases

Study on the Impact of Herbal Shampoo with Gharaghorot, Vinegar, and Ajwain against Head Lice

Zohreh Akhoundi-Meybodi, Robab Khesadeh, Hadi Zare-Zardini — Thu, 21 Aug 2025 00:00:00 +0430

Background: This study evaluates a herbal shampoo containing Gharaghorot, vinegar, and Ajwain for managing head lice, particularly in resource-limited settings.

Methods: The herbal shampoo formulation constituted 100% final solution, composed of: 28.85% Gharaghorot extract (prepared from sour yogurt juice), 67.31% apple cider vinegar, 2.88% Ajwain (Trachyspermum ammi) essential oil, and 0.96% xanthan gum (a biocompatible thickening agent). Cell toxicity and sterility were assessed using the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay and fluid thioglycollate and soybean casein digest media, respectively. Irritation and sensitization tests were conducted on rabbits and guinea pigs, respectively. A randomized controlled trial with 114 patients compared the herbal shampoo to standard Permethrin treatment (Permethrin shampoo 1%). Participants applied the shampoo daily for one hour over seven days, with efficacy evaluated by counting live lice and nits before treatment, three days in, and seven days post-treatment.

Results: The herbal shampoo exhibited no significant cytotoxicity at concentrations of 10% or lower. The shampoo did not cause sensitization, edema, or erythema. Microbial contamination analysis showed no detectable levels of aerobic or anaerobic bacteria or fungal spores. In the human study, the intervention group showed a 0% prevalence of live lice by the seventh day, compared to 50% in the permethrin group (P= 0.021), and a significant reduction in lice eggs to 42% versus 100% in the permethrin group (P= 0.025).

Conclusion: The herbal shampoo demonstrated safety, microbiological purity, and notable efficacy in reducing live head lice and partial effectiveness against nits (42% egg viability post-treatment).

Evaluation of the Larvicidal and Repellency of Extracts and Silver Nanoparticles Biosynthesized with Zataria multiflora (Shirazi Thyme) against Anopheles stephensi

Asghar Yadollahi, Aboozar Soltani, Ahmad Gholami, Azim Paksa, Kourosh Azizi — Sun, 14 Sep 2025 00:00:00 +0430

Introduction: Mosquitoes transmit several diseases to humans. New and environmentally safe methods are needed to control mosquito populations effectively. This study aimed to evaluate the larvicidal and repellent properties of extracts and silver nanoparticles synthesized from Zataria multiflora (Shirazi thyme).

Methods: To determine the larvicidal and repellent properties of Z. multiflora, we tested different concentrations of synthesized silver nanoparticles and crude extract against this malaria vector.

Results: The crude extract exhibited weak larvicidal activity, with an LC₅₀ of 616.52 μg/mL and an LC₉₀ of 1109.74 μg/mL. However, the synthesized silver nanoparticles are highly active on the larvae of Anopheles stephensi, with an LC₅₀ at 51.07 μg/mL and an LC₉₀ at 119.04 μg/mL. Both the crude extract (ED₅₀: 0.00031 μg/cm²; ED₉₀: 0.0018 μg/ cm²) and silver nanoparticles (ED₅₀: 0.000072 μg/cm²; ED₉₀: 0.00048 μg/cm²) demonstrated significant repellent activity. Particle size analysis revealed a range of 24.56 to 63.76 nanometers, with an average size of 52.7 nanometers.

Conclusion: This study showed that Z. multiflora silver nanoparticles have significant larvicidal properties, so they are suggested as a nature-friendly larvicide.

Entomological Surveillance System for Invasive Aedes Mosquitoes at Points of Entry in West Azerbaijan Province: Strengths and Weaknesses

Samira Firooziyan, Ahmad Ali Enayati, Mohammad Mehdi Sedaghat — Sat, 20 Sep 2025 00:00:00 +0430

Background: Global trade and travel are key factors affecting the initial introduction of vectors and VBDs (vector-borne diseases) in a country. Vectors know no borders; it is essential to establish systems for the surveillance of vectors and vector-borne diseases (VBDs). This study was conducted to investigate the strengths and weaknesses of a newly established entomological surveillance system for Aedes mosquitoes at points of entry (PoE) in West Azerbaijan Province.

Methods: The Aedes surveillance system was implemented in West Azerbaijan Province from 2019 to 2023. Following national guidelines, Aedes eggs and larvae were surveyed at eight international PoEs using ovitraps and by collecting larvae from natural or artificial habitats. A specific checklist designed for this study was employed to evaluate the program.

Results: Over 9008 ovitraps were deployed, while 552 had eggs, including species from the families Phasmatidae and Psychodidae, as well as species from the genus Culex and Aedes caspius. Additionally, 506 larvae were collected during the surveillance period. The program had several key strengths, including a well-structured reporting system, robust technical support, knowledgeable personnel, designated health staff spaces at PoE, standardized surveillance tools, initiatives for environmental enhancement, the establishment of an entomology laboratory, cross-border collaborations, and public health education campaigns. Identified weaknesses comprised staff and entomologist shortages, the absence of a functional insectary, limited engagement of volunteer groups, and inadequate availability of insecticides and tools for emergency vector control.

Conclusions: The study outcomes shed light on the challenges and suggest operational and practical solutions to address the identified shortcomings.

Public Perceptions of Risk Factors for Zoonotic Cutaneous Leishmaniasis in an Endemic Area: A Case-Control Study in the Mehran District, Ilam Prov-ince, Southwestern Iran (2022–2023)

Sat, 27 Sep 2025 00:00:00 +0330

Background: Zoonotic cutaneous leishmaniasis (ZCL) is one of the most prevalent vector-borne diseases. The understanding of the knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding ZCL in Iran has not been thoroughly examined. This investigation focused on the risk factors for ZCL within an endemic region in the Mehran District of Ilam Province.

Methods: This case-control study was conducted from 2022 to 2023. Cases (n=372) were selected using the incident case approach from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). Similarly, 372 controls were chosen through cluster random sampling from the general population. To measure exposure to various risk factors, a validated, research-developed questionnaire was utilized. Binary logistic regression modelling was employed to assess the association between the development of leishmaniasis and several risk factors. A p-value of 0.05 was set as the threshold for statistical significance.

Results: Living near rodent nests or holes (Odds Ratio: 6.51), having bathroom and toilet located outside the house (OR: ), residing close to farms or gardens (OR: 8.26) or specific plants (OR: 6.22), observing a rodent near one's home (OR: 2.66), and the accumulation of building debris near residential areas (OR: 13.03) significantly increased risk of developing cutaneous leishmaniasis. In contrast, the use of insecticides (OR: 0.03) and lotions or other insect repellents (OR: 0.31) significantly decreased the risk of this disease.

Conclusion: The development of ZCL in the Mehran district, Ilam province, southwest Iran, is hindered by inadequate health education and public awareness regarding the disease, as well as insufficient adherence to Iran's care guidelines.

Species Composition of Phlebotominae Sand Flies (Diptera: Psychodidae) in Mashhad City, an Endemic Focus of Anthroponotic Cutaneous Leishmaniasis, Northeastern Iran

Sat, 18 Oct 2025 00:00:00 +0330

Background: Phlebotomine sand flies are the primary vectors of cutaneous leishmaniasis. We conducted a field survey and comprehensive literature review to investigate the species composition and bionomics of sand flies in Mashhad, a major pilgrimage and tourist city in northeastern Iran. This location is critical due to its high population mobility, which can influence disease dynamics.

Methods: Sand flies were collected monthly from spring to winter 2022 using sticky paper traps at 108 sites across Mashhad's diverse ecological zones. Species were identified, and population densities were calculated. Climatic data for 2022 were sourced from the Mashhad Meteorological Station. Using SPSS version 26, we employed ANOVA to compare seasonal species densities and Pearson correlation to analyses relationships between climatic parameters and sand fly abundance.

Result: A total of 3,270 sand fly specimens were collected, representing two genera. The majority (98%) belonged to the genus Phlebotomus, while the remaining 2% were classified under Sergentomyia. The identified species and their respective relative abundances were as follows: Ph. sergenti (76.29%), Ph. papatasi (18.53%), Ph. alexandri (1.10%), Ph. ansari (1.00%), Se. sumbarica (1.31%), Ph. caucasicus (0.73%), Ph. major group (0.61%), and Se. sintoni (0.42%). Statistical analysis revealed significant seasonal variations in the abundance and distribution of sand fly species, which were strongly associated with environmental parameters such as temperature, wind speed, and relative humidity.

Conclusion: The bionomics, diversity, and population density of sand flies vary across different locations and times, a factor that must be considered in advanced studies, prevention, and control programs.

Exploring the Effectiveness of Chlorophacinone in Managing Urban Rat Infestation: A Laboratory Study on the Norway Rat, Rattus norvegicus, a Common Urban Rat in Malaysia

Sat, 18 Oct 2025 00:00:00 +0330

Background: Rat populations in urban areas must be monitored and controlled, as they can transmit zoonotic diseases and pose a risk to human health. Certain urban rat species may not respond well to some of the rodenticides available on the market. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the efficacy of chlorophacinone in controlling urban rats in a laboratory setting.

Methods: Chlorophacinone, the primary focus of this study, was compared to a commonly used first-generation anticoagulant rodenticide (FGAR) available in the urban market, namely Coumatetralyl. Rat specimens were trapped in Kuantan, Pahang, and the dominant species was identified as Rattus norvegicus.

Results: Overall, chlorophacinone demonstrated nearly complete mortality (95%) within an average of eight days post-feeding, followed by coumatetralyl, which exhibited high mortality (85%) within an average of seven days post-feeding. The rats in the chlorophacinone group consumed significantly lower dosages than those in the coumatetralyl group. This was due to variations in the default concentrations of the active ingredient of both treatments. Nevertheless, rats in the chlorophacinone treatment still experienced a higher mortality rate compared to coumatetralyl, despite consuming a lower dosage.

Conclusion: Consequently, this finding suggests that R. norvegicus is more susceptible to chlorophacinone than coumatetralyl. This underscores the potential of chlorophacinone as an effective rodenticide for controlling rat infestations in urban areas throughout Malaysia.

Antimicrobials Resistance Profiling and Clonal Lineages of Staphylococcus aureus Isolated from Cockroaches in University-Affiliated Hospitals, 2023

Sun, 19 Oct 2025 00:00:00 +0330

Background: Cockroaches, recognized as mechanical vectors, play a crucial role in transmitting microbial pathogens. Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus), particularly antibiotic-resistant strains, poses a significant threat as a nosocomial pathogen. This study aimed to investigate the resistance profiles to gentamicin, vancomycin, and antiseptics in S. aureus strains isolated from cockroaches in hospitals affiliated with Babol University of Medical Sciences.

Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 60 S. aureus strains were isolated from 376 cockroaches in three university-affiliated hospitals. Antibiotic susceptibility to gentamicin and vancomycin was tested by disk diffusion and agar dilution. PCR was used to detect resistance and antiseptic genes, and MLVA typing determined the genetic relatedness of resistant isolates.

Results: Among the 60 bacterial isolates, 46.7% (28) displayed resistance to gentamicin. The frequencies of aminoglycoside resistance coding genes (AMEs) for the aac(6')-Ie+aph(2″), ant(4')-Ia, aph(3')-IIIa and ant(6)-Ia genes were 64.3%, 42.8%, 17.8%, and 46.4%, respectively. Only 3.3% (2 isolates) exhibited vancomycin resistance, with one isolate (1.7%) carrying the vanA gene. The frequencies of genes encoding the antiseptic resistance genes qacA/B, qacC, qacD, psmA, sasX, and smr were 5%, 20%, 18.3%, 26.4%, 1.2%, and 31.7%, respectively. Analysis of agr gene types showed that agr type I was the most prevalent. In addition, the multiple-locus variable number tandem-repeat analysis (MLVA) identified 29 unique type sequences among the identified antibiotic-resistant isolates.

Conclusion: The high genetic diversity among antibiotic-resistant S. aureus isolates, as revealed by MLVA, underscores the importance of controlling hospital cockroach populations to curb the spread of antibiotic resistance.

Successful Therapeutic Management of Trypanosomosis in a Dog-A Case Report

Wed, 24 Sep 2025 00:00:00 +0330

Background: Trypanosomosis is one of the most important and deadliest diseases of canines. Usually within 3 to 4 weeks an infected dog dies in the acute form of the disease. The use of inappropriate doses of anti-trypanosomatid drugs in animals leads to the development of huge resistance in the organisms.

Methods: The present study communicates the successive therapeutic management of clinical trypanosomiasis with five doses of diminazine aceturate injection. One mongrel dog came with the clinical signs of persistent fever, tachycardia, severe dehydration, pale mucous membrane, corneal opacity, prolonged recumbency, and enlargement of superficial lymph nodes. A Giemsa-stained thin blood smear revealed the presence of Trypanosoma organisms. Haematobiochemical parameters revealed lowered total leucocyte count, haemoglobin, total platelet count, serum total protein, and blood glucose levels and elevated levels of alkaline phosphatase, serum creatinine, and blood urea nitrogen.

Results: We observed the animal responded after the third day of post-therapy, and the clinical and haematobiochemical improvement was recorded after twenty days of post-therapy. The corneal opacity completely subsides after 28 days consequently.

Conclusions: During our study we found that the proper significant dosing of diminazine aceturate can cure the Trypanosomosis in dogs.

Climate Matters: Integrating Bioclimatology into Dengue Vector Control within the One Health Framework

Fri, 29 Aug 2025 00:00:00 +0430